Latch mechanism



y 0, 1965 R. DERENG 3,195,329

LATCH MECHANISM Filed Nov. 30, 1962 g sh t -s t g INVENTOR Roma/7 Dare/7g )%W 6 M ATTYS United States Patent 3,195,329 LATCH MECHANISM Roman Dereng, Des Plaines, Ill., assignor to Motorola, Inc, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Nov. 30, 1962, Ser. No. 241,311 9 Claims. (Cl. 70-57) This invention relates to latching devices, and more particularly to improvements in a latching device of the type which permits manual unlatching of various closure members by operation of a single release.

In certain types of cabinets a single release mechanism may be utilized to open a plurality of doors. Such apparatus for example is highly desirable in portable stereophonic record playing equipment wherein two speaker doors covering the front of the cabinet, and a lid covering components contained inside the cabinet are unlatched simultaneously. Apparatus of this type is disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 158,273 filed December 11, 1961, now Patent No. 3,135,569, and assigned to the same assignee. In order to lock such a cabinet, the three separate closure members would ordinarily require three separate locks, leading to unnecessary manufacturing expense.

In addition to the problem of locking the closure members as described above, certain difficulties may arise in preventing the closure members from rattling during transport. This problem may become especially significant in connection with a latching device utilizing a retractable tongue which is engageable with a striker plate on the lid. In order to secure the lid firmly in position, it must engage the tongue to maintain sufi'icient pressure on the lid. Obviously, to fulfill such a requirement in mass production involves critical machining tolerances and close quality control.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a portable stereophonic record player having a plurality of doors, with a latching device for the lid which is capable of holding the lid securely in place and yet is low in cost and easy to install.

Another object of the invention is to provide a striker plate assembly for the lid of a stereophonic record player cabinet which may be readily adjusted during production.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for locking a cabinet having a plurality of doors, which means comprise a single lock mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lock mechanism for a latching device adapted to unlatch a plurality of closure members, which lock mechanism is simple and low in cost.

A feature of the invention is the provision in a latch mechanism having a retractable tongue and a slidable release plate joined by a displaceable link member, of a locking device for engaging the slidable release plate to prevent movement thereof.

Another feature of the invention is the provision, on the above described slidable release plate, of a buttress notch engageable by a key actuated pivotal member to prevent movement of the slidable release mechanism.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a cam member rotatable by a key mechanism to move the described pivotal member into the buttress notch.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a striker plate assembly for a latch mechanism having a retractable tongue, which assembly includes a pivotal striker plate fixed to an adjustable member.

Another feature of the invention is the provision, in the above described striker plate assembly, of a rotatable eccentric for mixing the slidable member.

Referring now to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stereophonic portable 3,.i95,329 Patented July 2%, I955 ice record player of the type in which the invention may be incorporated;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a latch mechanism utilizing the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 2, taken along the line 33 of FIG. 1 with the speaker doors closed;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the striker plate assembly of the invention as mounted in the cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the striker plate assembly of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the striker plate assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6.

In practicing the invention, a latch mechanism which includes a retractable tongue and a linearly displaceable plate coupled together by a link member, is provided with a buttress notch in the plate. A spring biased pivotal member is mounted on the frame of the latch mechanism and is displaceable by a key operated cam member to pivot into the buttress notch and engage the slidable plate. By preventing movement of the slidable plate, the entire linkage is effectively locked. The retractable tongue is engaged by a striker plate eassembly which includes a bracket fixed to the closure member to be released by the retractable tongue, and a linearly displaceably plate fixed on the bracket. A pivotal striker plate adapted to engage the tongue is mounted on the linearly displaceable plate, and an eccentric pivotally mounted on the bracket extends through the plate and may be turned to adjust the position of the striker plate. During assembly the striker plate may thereby be adjusted toward and away from the latch tongue to fit exactly against the tongue and secure the lid firmly in closed position.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1, a portable stereophonic record player 11 is shown having two speaker enclosures in the form of doors 13 and 15, and a lid 17 for covering the interior of cabinet 11. Doors 13 and 15 may contain speakers adapted to reproduce the right and left channels of stereophonic signals. A knob 19 is provided on the top of cabinet 11 for actuating the release mechanism.

Operation of the release mechanism may be more clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Knob 19 is fixed to a rotatable shaft 21 which extends through a bracket 22 fixed to the inner side of the frame of cabinet 11, and through an extension portion 22a of bracket 22. This shaft is connected to drive an eccentric 23 which, when turned, displaces a floating link 25 rotatably mounted on eccentric 23. Link 25 is fixed by means of rivet 27 to a slidable plate 29. Plate 29 is confined to linear motion by means of guide posts 31 cooperating in slots 33.

As may be seen from FIG. 3, when doors 13 and 15 are closed, a pair of bevel headed studs 36, mounted thereon, protrude through respective openings 35 in the front of cabinet 11. A plate assembly is formed against the inner surface of an L portion 221 on bracket 22. This assembly includes plates 191 and 102. Referring to FIG. 4, it may be seen that plate 102 is in the shape of an inverted U and hence a cavity is formed between plate 161 and portion 221. Openings 193, mating with openings 35 in cabinet 11, are formed in portion 221 and plate 101 for receiving studs 36.

Studs 36 have grooves 38 just behind the beveled head. As the studs enter the openings, they engage a pair of resilient members 37, which are slidable mounted in the cavity between plate 191 and portion 221. Members 37 separate to pass the beveled heads and then close in grooves 38 to capture the studs 36 in place. This secures doors 13 and 15 in closed position. Displacement of pla 9 causes fingers 29a thereon to slide in slots 3%) in plate liil and portion 22K. Fingers 2%; engage resilient members 37 to move the same so that the widened ends of members 37 (see P16. 4) coincide with openings 1183. This releases the pins 3-5. The doors are then pushed open by a pair of leaf springs 4i? which resiliently engage the ends of studs 3%.

The other end of link 2-5 is secured by means of a rivet 39 to a retractable tongue 41.. Tongue 41 is retractable to permit the striker plate .3 on lid 17 to clear so that lid 17 can swing upwardly. As tongue 41 retracts, a shoulder thereon engages a corresponding shoulder on a spring 54- which lies on top of the tongue.

.54- is normally compressed between the lid 1"? and tongue 41, and when tongue 41 is retracted, spring 54 forces the lid upwardly. Striker plate 43 pivotally extends from a striker plate assembly 18 mounted on lid 17 as will be explained- When lid 17 closes, striker plate 43 will en-- gage tongue il and pivot inwardly to clear the tongue. Then when spring is slightly compressed between plate 17:: on lid 17 and tongue 42 plate 43 pivots outwardly to bear against the lower surface of the tongue'securing the lid in place against the resiliency of spring 54-.

.Operation of the latch mechanism occurs when the knobll? is turned against the bias of a spring 92; fixed to one end of an arm 24. Arm 2 is keyed to shaft 21, thereby resiliently biasing knob 19. As the knob is turned, eccentric 23 rotates counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2. This displaces link member 25 to the left and down, causing plate 29 to be displaced to the left While simultaneously causing tongue 41 to be retracted down-1 wardly. As this occurs, of course, link member 25 will rotate slightly in a clockwise direction.

To simultaneously lock the slidable plate 29 and the retractable tongue 41, which are coupled by link 25', a key actuable cam is provided which when turned displaces a spring biased pivotal member into a buttress notch 51 in plate 29. An opening 53, formed in knob 19, permits the insertion of a key 55 therethrough. Key 55 mates in key way 57 mounted in bracket 22, and may be turned to operate a cam member 59. Cam member 59 has a fiat surface portion 61 thereon, and the surface portion 61 thereon, and the surface of cam member 5 engages a spring biased pivotal member 63 for displacing the same.

Member 63 is biased against cam 59 by means of a resilient spring 65 secured to bracket 22 by a rivet 65;. When cam member 59 is turned by key 55 so that the flat portion 6-1 no longer engages pivotal member 63, member 63 will be moved outwardly from the axis of cam member 59 against the bias of spring 65 into buttress notch 51, thereby engaging the slidable plate 29. The locked position of member 63 is indicated by dotted lines in P16. 2. This prevents plate 29 from moving, and since plate 29 is coupled through link 25 to retractable tongue El, the entire mechanism is effectively'lockcd in position.

The latch mechanism is unlocked merely by turning the key until the flat portion 61 of cam 59 once more engages the member 63. This permits member 63 to pivot out of notch 51 as biased by spring 65. The latch mechanism will then be operable, since slidable plate 29 can clear member 63.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 the details of the striker plate assembly are more clearly shown. The assembly may be mounted to extend through an opening 67 formed in the forward edge of lid 17 of the cabinet. The striker plate assembly includes a pivotal striker plate 43 engageable with retractable tongue 41 as previously described. Striker plate 43 is pivotally mounted to the hinge portion 46 of a slidable plate 47 by rod 45, and is resiliently biased outwardly by spring 69. Pin 4-5 also serves as a pivot for spring d9. An ear portion '71 bears. against a pair of extensions '72 on bracket '73. Bracket 73 is provided with holes 74 for securing to the lid 17 of the cabinet 11 by appropriate connections. A second slidable plate '77 is provided in the assembly. Plate 77 has a transverse slot 79 which coincides with a similar slot 81 in plate 47 to provide bearing surface for an eccentric 83. Only vertical motion will result since horizontal motion will be lost due to the length of thcsiots 79 and 81 transverse to plates 1'7 and 4?. Eccentric S3 is pivoted at mounting end 83 in hole 85 of bracket 73 and is turned by means of a slotted head 87. A spring washer 89, between plate 77 and head 87 provides frictional bias for the eccentric 83. Plates 77 and 67 are confined to vertical motion by guides 5t on bracket F.3- and guides 52; on plate 77. When head $7 is turned, eccentric 83 will bear against the inner surface of transverse slots '79 and 31 to displace plates 77 and 47 linearly and carry striker plate 43 into secure and firm engagement withtougue. 41.. This insures against rattle of the lid since spring 54 will be compressed between plate 177a on the lid l7 and. the tongue.

It may be seen therefore, that when the striker plate assembly is mounted in lid 17, a simple adjustment may be performed to cause the striker plate 43 to properly engage the retractable. tongue 41 and secure the lid firmly in place. Without this adjustment the tolerances required to insure proper engagement between thestriker plate 43 and retractable tongue 41 greatly increases the cost of iminufacture and thetime. of assembly. 7 Accordingly, the invention provides a simple and exedient device for locking a latch mechanism, which mechanism is adapted to simultaneously unlatch a plurality of doors. This locking device is operable by a single key. The invention further provides a striker plate assembly which may be adjusted to engage a retractable tongue on the latch mechanism. Adjustment of this striker plate assembly enable tolerance requirements to be lightened while still insuring adequate and secure closure of the member upon which the striker plate assembly is fixed.

I claim:

L'A'latclr device for an enclosure having a plurality of doors, including in combination, a first latch portion having a slidable release member for release thereof, a second latch portion having a retractable tongue for release thereof, a link member joining said slidable release member and said retractable tongue'for simultaneously displacing same, said slidable release member having a buttress notch formed therein, a pivotal member engageable with said buttress notch to prevent movement of said slidable release member, said pivotal member having a flat thereon, and a key actua-ble cam having a flat thereon in mating engagement with said flat on said pivotal member when said pivotal member is disengaged from said buttress notch, said cam being rotatable to bring said flats out of mating engagement and pivot said pivotal member into said buttress notch, said pivotal member operable to effectively lock said latch device by preventing movement of both said slidable release member and said retractable tongue,

2. A latch device for an enclosure having a plurality of doors, including in combination, a first latch portion having a slidable release member for release thereof, a second latch portion having a retractable tongue for release thereof, a link member joining said slidable release member and said retractable tongue, a manually operable eccentric engaging said link member and operable to displace same for simultaneously displacing said first and second latch portions, said slidable release member having a buttress notch formed therein, and a key actuated pivotal member engageable with said buttress notch to prevent movement of said slidable release member, said pivotal member operable to ell-actively lock said latch device by preventing movement of both said slidable release member and said retractable tongue.

3. A latch device for an enclosure having a plurality of doors, including in combination, a first latch portion having a slidable release member for release thereof, a

second latch portion having a retractable tongue for release thereof, a link member joining said slidable release member and said retractable tongue for simultaneously displacing the same, said slidable release member having a buttress notch formed therein, a lock member pivotal intermediate its ends to cause one end thereof to enter said buttress notch and engage said slidable release member to prevent movement thereof, resilient means engaging the other end of said lock member and biasing said locking member to a position disengaged from said slidable release member, and a key actuated cam member engaging said pivotal member and actuab-le to pivot the same against the bias of said resilient means, whereby said latch device is efiectively locked.

4. A latch device for an enclosure having a plurality of doors, including in combination, a first latch portion having a slidable release member for release thereof, a second latch portion having a retractable tongue for release thereof, and including an adjustable striker plate assembly fixed on a door to be unlatched by said tongue, said striker plate assembly having linearly displaceable means and a pivotal striker plate fixed thereto, for engaging said tongue When said tongue is in unretracted position, a link member joining said slidable release member and said retractable tongue for simultaneously moving the same, stop means engageable With said slidable release member to prevent movement thereof, said stop means operable to efiectively lock said latch device by preventing movement of both said slidable release member and said retractable tongue, and means for adjusting said linearly displaceable means to bring said striker plate into engagement with said tongue when said tongue is in unretracted position to bear against said tongue and secure the door in firmly closed position.

5. A latch device for an enclosure having a plurality of doors, including in combination, a first latch portion having a slidable release member for release thereof, a second latch portion having a retractable tongue for release thereof, and including an adjustable striker plate assembly fixed on a door to be unlatched by said tongue, said striker plate assembly having linearly displaceable means and a pivotal striker plate fixed thereto, for engaging said tongue When said tongue is in unretracted position, a link member joining said slidable release membre and said retractable tongue for simultaneously moving the same, stop means comprising a key actuated pivotal member engageable with said slidable release member to prevent movement thereof, said stop means operable to etfectively lock said latch device by preventing movement of both said slidable release member and said retractable tongue, and eccentric means adjustable to move said linearly displaceable means to bring said striker plate into engagement with said tongue when said tongue is in unretracted position to bear against said tongue and secure the door in firmly closed position.

6. A latch device for latching a door, including in combination, a retractable tongue, resilient means disposed between said retractable tongue and the door, a striker plate assembly mounted on the door, said striker plate assembly having bracket means rigidly secured to the door and a linearly displaceable plate secured in slidable relationship to said bracket means, said striker plate assembly further having a pivotal striker plate fixed to said linearly displaceable plate to extend angularly outward therefrom, and eccentric means pivotal in said bracket and engaging said linearly displaceable plate to bring said pivotal striker plate into engagement with said retractable tongue to bear against the same when said tongue is in an unretracted position, thereby compressing said resilient means between said tongue and the door to secure the door in firmly closed position.

7. A latch device for latching a door, including in combination, a retractable tongue, a striker plate assembly mounted on the door, said striker plate assembly having bracket means rigidly secured to the door and a linearly displaceable plate secured in slidable relationship to said bracket means, said striker plate assembly further having a pivotal striker plate fixed to said linearly displaceable plate to extend angularly outward therefrom, and eccentric means pivotal in said bracket and engaging said linearly displaceable plate to bring said pivotal striker plate into engagement with said retractable tongue to bear against the same When said tongue is in unretracted position and secure the door in firmly closed position.

8. A latch device for latching a door, including in combination, a retractable tongue, a striker plate assembly mounted on tie door, said striker plate assembly having linearly displaceable means and a pivotal striker plate fixed thereto, eccentric means adjustable to move said linearly displaceable means to bring said pivotal striker plate into engagement With said retractable tongue to bear against the same when said tongue is in unretracted position and secure the door in firmly closed position.

9. A latch device for latching a door, including in combination, a latching member, a striker plate assembly mounted on the door, said striker plate assembly a linearly displaceable member and a pivotal striker plate fixed thereto, and an eccentric adjustable to displace said linearly displaceable member to bring said pivotal striker plate into engagement with said latching member to bear against the same and secure the door in firmly closed position, one of said latching member and said striker plate being displaceable to release the door.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 204,055 5/78 Klinzing 150 X 328,393 10/85 Ehrman 70-150 X 398,611 2/89 Hall 70-114 1,095,569 5/14 Glenn et al. 1,658,854 2/28 Nobile 70-150 1,989,801 2/35 Halinka. 2,166,735 7/39 Swa-rd 292-341.18 X 2,257,741 10/41 Gray 70379 X 2,317,699 4/43 Thompson 70150 X FOREIGN PATENTS 127,972 6/19 Great Britain.

ALBERT H. KAMPE, Primary Examiner. 

2. A LATCH DEVICE FOR AN ENCLOSURE HAVING A PLURALITY OF DOORS, INCLUDING IN COMBINATION, A FIRST LATCH PORTION HAVING A SLIDABLE RELEASE MEMBER FOR RELEASE THEREOF, A SECOND LATCH PORTION HAVING A RETRACTABLE TONGUE FOR RELEASE THEREOF, A LINK MEMBER JOINING SAID SLIDABLE RELEASE MEMBER AND SAID RETRACTABLE TONGUE, A MANUALLY OPERABLE ECCENTRIC ENGAGING SAID LINK MEMBER AND OPERABLE TO DISPLACE SAME FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLACING SAID FIRST AND SECOND LATCH PORTIONS, SAID SLIDABLE RELEASE MEMBER HAVING A BUTTRESS NOTCH FORMED THEREIN, AND A KEY ACTUATED PIVOTAL MEMBER ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID BUTTRESS NOTCH TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF SAID SLIDABLE RELEASE MEMBER, SAID PIVOTAL MEMBER OPERABLE TO EFFECTIVELY LOCK SAID LATCH DEVICE BY PREVENTING MOVEMENT OF BOTH SAID SLIDABLE RELEASE MEMBER AND SAID RETRACTABLE TONGUE. 